Chardham Yatra – A Sacred Journey Through the Himalayas
The Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand is one of the most revered pilgrimages in India, drawing lakhs of devotees and spiritual seekers every year. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, the yatra takes you through four sacred shrines – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Each dham is dedicated to a different deity, symbolizing a deep spiritual essence: Yamunotri (River Yamuna), Gangotri (River Ganga), Kedarnath (Lord Shiva), and Badrinath (Lord Vishnu).
Undertaking this yatra is not just a religious journey but also an experience of walking amidst towering mountains, ancient temples, roaring rivers, and serene valleys. From snow-clad peaks and alpine meadows to villages steeped in culture and devotion, the Chardham Yatra offers both spiritual fulfillment and Himalayan adventure.
While many visit each dham separately, the traditional Chardham Yatra circuit covers all four shrines in one journey, usually starting from Yamunotri and ending at Badrinath. The trip requires around 9 Nights / 10 Days, making it a perfectly balanced pilgrimage that combines devotion, culture, and natural beauty.
Highlights of Chardham Yatra
Yamunotri Dham (3,293 m / 10,804 ft): Source of River Yamuna, home to the Yamunotri temple and natural hot springs at Janki Chatti.
Gangotri Dham (3,100 m / 10,200 ft): The origin of the sacred Ganga River, with a temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
Kedarnath Dham (3,583 m / 11,755 ft): One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located amidst stunning Himalayan peaks.
Badrinath Dham (3,133 m / 10,279 ft): An ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, set against the backdrop of the Neelkanth Peak.
Spiritual immersion: Daily aartis, chanting, and temple rituals create a divine atmosphere.
Cultural heritage: Walk through traditional Garhwali villages and witness Himalayan devotion.
Scenic drives & treks: Mountain roads, riverside trails, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.
Best season: May to June and September to October, when the shrines are accessible, and weather is pleasant.
Detailed Itinerary – Chardham Yatra (9 Nights / 10 Days)
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar / Rishikesh (Gateway to Chardham) Altitude: 1,030 ft
Your journey begins at Haridwar or Rishikesh, the spiritual gateway to Uttarakhand. After arriving, you can take a holy dip in the Ganga at Har Ki Pauri and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti in the evening.
Overnight stay at Haridwar/Rishikesh hotel.
Day 2: Haridwar – Barkot (200 km, 7–8 hrs, 4,000 ft)
Drive through scenic hill roads, passing Mussoorie, Kempty Falls, and Yamuna Valley before reaching Barkot. Barkot serves as the base camp for Yamunotri. Rest and prepare for your first dham darshan.
Overnight stay at Barkot.
Day 3: Barkot – Yamunotri Darshan – Barkot (36 km drive + 6 km trek each side, 10–12 hrs)
Early morning drive to Janki Chatti (8,400 ft). From here, begin a 6 km trek to Yamunotri temple, either on foot, pony, or palanquin. At Yamunotri, take a dip in the sacred Surya Kund hot spring and offer prayers at the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
Return trek to Janki Chatti and drive back to Barkot.
Overnight stay at Barkot.
Day 4: Barkot – Uttarkashi (100 km, 5–6 hrs, 4,000 ft)
Drive along the Bhagirathi River to reach Uttarkashi, a holy town with temples and ashrams. Visit the Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Uttarkashi is also the base camp for Gangotri.
Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Day 5: Uttarkashi – Gangotri Darshan – Uttarkashi (100 km each way, 10–12 hrs, 10,200 ft)
Early morning, drive along the Bhagirathi Valley to reach Gangotri Temple (3,100 m). Take a holy dip in the Bhagirathi River (originating from Gaumukh glacier, 18 km further). Offer prayers to Goddess Ganga at the pristine white temple surrounded by deodar forests.
Return drive to Uttarkashi by evening.
Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Day 6: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi / Sitapur (220 km, 8–9 hrs, 4,300 ft)
Today’s drive passes through Chirbasa, Mandakini Valley, and Rudraprayag, where rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini meet. Guptkashi is the base for Kedarnath. Visit the Ardh Narishwar Temple in the evening.
Overnight stay at Guptkashi/Sitapur.
Day 7: Guptkashi – Kedarnath (Drive 30 km to Gaurikund + 16 km trek, 6–7 hrs, 11,755 ft)
Early morning drive to Gaurikund (6,000 ft), the trek starting point. Begin the 16 km trek to Kedarnath Temple through rugged mountain paths, waterfalls, and pine forests. Ponies and palanquins are available.
On arrival, attend the evening Shiv Aarti at Kedarnath Temple, one of the most sacred jyotirlingas.
Overnight stay in Kedarnath (basic guesthouse/tents).
Day 8: Kedarnath – Guptkashi / Sitapur (16 km trek + 30 km drive)
Wake up early for the divine Rudra Abhishek Aarti at Kedarnath Temple. After darshan, trek back to Gaurikund and return drive to Guptkashi/Sitapur.
Overnight stay at Guptkashi.
Day 9: Guptkashi – Badrinath (220 km, 8–9 hrs, 10,279 ft)
A scenic drive through Joshimath and Vishnuprayag takes you to Badrinath, the final dham. Visit the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located on the banks of the Alaknanda River. In the evening, take part in the Badrivishal Aarti.
Overnight stay at Badrinath.
Day 10: Badrinath – Rishikesh / Haridwar (320 km, 10–11 hrs)
Early morning darshan at Badrinath Temple. Visit Tapt Kund hot spring, Mana Village (last Indian village before Tibet), and Vasudhara Falls if time permits.
Later, drive back to Rishikesh/Haridwar, marking the completion of your Chardham Yatra.
Why Choose the Chardham Yatra?
Unlike a simple temple visit, the Chardham Yatra is a soulful Himalayan journey.
Spiritual essence: Connect with the divine at India’s most sacred shrines.
Cultural depth: Experience Himalayan traditions, folklore, and village life.
Natural wonders: Soak in the grandeur of the Ganga, Yamuna, Mandakini, and Alaknanda rivers.
Balance of devotion & adventure: Trekking, temple visits, and Himalayan landscapes combined in one trip.
Essential Travel Information
Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days
Maximum Altitude: Kedarnath (3,583 m / 11,755 ft)
Grade: Easy–Moderate (requires trekking at Yamunotri & Kedarnath)
Best Season: May–June and September–October
Nearest Railhead: Haridwar / Rishikesh
Transport Options: Shared cabs, private vehicles, or government buses available
